Category: Fashion

Now there are two exceptions to this, I am allowed to use gift vouchers I have (which is only two: one for Reformation and one Zara) and I am allowed to buy uniform for my job at Whistles (this limited to 8 pieces a year, tops).

Those two things I realise may seem to some to make this easy, but for me, just no. I am a constant browser of online shops, and I tend to buy things quite impulsively. I have an expensive taste for someone who’s a student working part-time. I often feel guilt, or like I have put myself in a compromising situation from my spending, both of which are awful but completely preventable. I associate buying clothes with happiness and boosting my self confidence. All of these things I want to either stop or challenge. I want to overhaul my relationship with shopping and clothes. I feel this is a brilliant time in my life to do this, and I think it could reset my thinking for the years ahead.

I am only a couple of weeks into the new year, and already I have found the time I would normally spend browsing shops is being well spent doing other things because I stop myself even looking. The process of looking online and on Instagram had become so habitual, I am so glad that I am setting myself this challenge.

Whilst shopping around can be fun to discover new brands and styles, for some staples it’s good to know some fail safe brands that just nail those pieces. Below area few examples of these which I wanted to share:

T-Shirts = Sunspel

Why? Well they don’t become misshapen over time, they’re super soft and I buy the mens tees as they have a higher crew neck which I prefer.

Jeans= Re/Done

You know Levis styles which you dream of coming across in vintage stores, but in reality they never fit quite how you imagined? Well Re/Done takes those jeans and repurpose them so they do fit just right in that 90s inspired style. On the pricey side, but a good pair of jeans will last you many years to come!

Fine Knits= Uniqlo

Really soft knits in all the colours you could wish for, and at a price you can’t complain about. I choose the mens extra fine merino wool sweaters because again I prefer the high crew neck style.

Undies= COS

If like me, you hate underwired bras with heavy padding then COS underwear might be for you. They mix from really pretty, delicate lace undies to just super comfy, everyday cotton sets, so all is taken care of.

Reformation do increase the reductions almost week on week, so if you willing to risk waiting I think some things will be further reduced to 70% off- but as a warning the sale sells pretty rapidly so your favourite pieces may be gone by the final sale!

I’m back in Manchester ready for another year of uni, and whilst Autumn is still a month away I’m ready to start looking at clothes for my favourite time of year. In this post I’ve rounded up some of my favourite pieces from across the high street. I’m taking a trip to Amsterdam at the beginning of September so I’ve included pieces I’d love to be packing for my trip. All the shopping links are below.

Ganni is a new favourite of mine, I bought one of their dresses in a deep green print just before Christmas last year after coming across the brand in Liberty and I’ve been an admirer since then. Their clothes are easy to wear everyday, but have a quirkiness either in their structure or print that makes them altogether distinctive from anywhere else. Their new season looks to be just as good as the last, with plenty of leopard print- a big yes as far as I’m concerned- and cute sweats and tees that slip so easily into your wardrobe.

This Australian brand has a contemporary feel, making quite minimal yet interesting pieces that create understated, cool looks. A selection of dresses, separates and a staple leather jacket is the brands formula. Each season’s collection is normally quite small which I really like because it creates quite an exclusive, small designer feel. The colour palette tends to be in quite muted tones, which works well for me as these make up most of my wardrobe so the pieces easily mix into outfits. It is quite a high price range, but the fabrics are beautiful and the designs true to the brands own aesthetic which makes the clothes feel special. I have the Brooke wrap skirt and long sleeve top, as well as the Gigi dress which are favourites to wear on holiday and to parties in the summer. Here a few of my favourite pieces and the link to the site is below.

This year, I found ZARA’s summer collection rather uninspiring which is unusual for me as I can never normally visit and leave empty handed. With the arrival of the new pre fall collection however, it is clear ZARA is, in my opinion, back on track in the fashion stakes. I’ve already ordered the distressed cricket style jumper, and these other items are also very, very tempting…